Beryllium Machining

General Dynamics offers close tolerance machining and processing of beryllium and its alloys to deliver optics and optical assemblies with precise, complex geometric features.

One-third the weight of aluminum, six times stiffer than steel and with a high thermal stability, beryllium is the ideal material for applications in space or other harsh environments. We machine our beryllium to tolerances up to 1/100,000 of an inch (0.000001 in.) to meet the most demanding mission requirements.

We machine and build precision metal optics and optical assemblies including mirrors, telescopes, gimbals, black bodies, scan mechanisms and collimators. We machine flat, aspheric or spherical beryllium mirrors which can be nickel plated, polished, heat treated and anodized in-house. With diameters ranging from 3in to 5ft, our telescopes support critical airborne and space-based targeting, surveillance and observation missions.

Operating within a 120,000sq.ft, environmentally controlled manufacturing facility, we provide complete in-house manual and computer numerically-controlled (CNC) fabrication services including:

• Milling
• Turning
• Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
• Lapping
• Grinding

We are also equipped to machine other exotic and conventional materials, including titanium, aluminum, quartz and glass.

For a complete listing of our Precision Machining In-House Capabilities, please click here.